Robert Irvine Foundation
Mike Manocchio
Lt. Col (Ret.)
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Mike served 20 years as a U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Officer, commissioning in 2002 and deploying eight times—five of those to Iraq and Afghanistan in combat. In 2010, while serving as an Infantry Company Commander in Afghanistan, Mike was struck by an IED blast that left him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For his sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2022, Mike continued to face the invisible wounds of war, including hypervigilance, insomnia, depression, and difficulty connecting with his wife, Jennifer, and their two daughters, Callie and Ayla. He shared that he often felt withdrawn and like something was missing from his life.
Wellness Program _
Service Dog Menji Recipient
That same year, Mike was paired with MENJI, a devoted and hard-working yellow Labrador. MENJI quickly became more than a companion—he became a lifeline. Trained to “anchor” Mike during moments of heightened anxiety, “pay attention” in public spaces, and interrupt negative behaviors, MENJI empowers Mike to stay grounded and present.
Together, Mike and MENJI have forged a powerful bond that has helped Mike reconnect with his family, his community, and himself. Their journey was honored at their official Red Vest graduation in November 2022—a milestone that marked not just MENJI’s accomplishments, but also the beginning of a brighter, more connected chapter in Mike’s life